Ingredients

Zinc Oxide

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Zinc Oxide — a mineral compound used as a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen filter and gentle skin protectant that sits on the skin's surface to reflect and scatter UV light. It is one of the most widely used mineral UV filters, valued for protecting against both UVA and UVB rays while being well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Key points

  • Zinc oxide is a mineral (inorganic) UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection across the UVA and UVB range.
  • It works largely by sitting on the skin and scattering, reflecting, and absorbing ultraviolet radiation.
  • It is considered gentle and non-irritating, making it a common choice for sensitive, reactive, and baby skin.
  • Modern formulas may use micronized or non-nano particles to reduce the characteristic white cast while maintaining protection.

Frequently asked

Is zinc oxide a mineral or chemical sunscreen?

Zinc oxide is a mineral, or physical, sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is generally gentle on skin.

Why does zinc oxide sometimes leave a white cast?

Its particles reflect visible as well as UV light, which can leave a white tint; micronized or tinted formulas help minimize this effect.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. How to decode a sunscreen label American Academy of Dermatology Clinical guidance aad.org
  2. Sunscreens: A Complete Overview DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  3. Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  4. Ultraviolet radiation and human health DermNet NZ Clinical guidance dermnetnz.org
  5. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation U.S. FDA Regulatory and safety fda.gov
  6. Zinc - Consumer NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Clinical guidance ods.od.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.